My dog likes to poop in poison ivy

I feel like that’s a risky behavior—especially considering I’m very allergic to poison ivy. But he seems to love it. In fact, he seeks it out!
However, this same dog can’t walk past a stationary broom without panicking. To him, that’s risky.
Considering this was a good reminder for me that what feels risky to one being may not register as risky at all to another.
As my age creeps up—and as I spend more time with people both much older and much younger—I’ve been thinking about what risky behavior for longevity looks like.  Spoiler: it’s not skydiving or mountain biking. It’s subtler, sneakier, and sometimes hiding in plain sight. And it might not be what was risky for you when you were younger.
Here’s my (partial) list:
1. Not being curious
Curiosity is powerful. It keeps the brain alive and the spirit awake. Studies show that curious people tend to age with more grace, have better memory, and—let’s face it—have more fun. Not being curious about your body, your habits, your surroundings, and the people you meet can accelerate the aging process and leave you quite grumpy.
2. Resigning yourself to aches and pains
Sure, some discomfort comes with age, but it doesn’t have to be your baseline. When my aunt visited last weekend, she wasn’t sure she could walk a quarter mile to dinner—her feet  have been hurting for a long time, and she chalked it up to “just getting old.” I did some MFR (myofascial release) on her feet for about 30 minutes, and she was soon traipsing all over lower Manhattan for the whole weekend, in sandals!
Just because people your age have similar aches doesn’t mean you have to accept them as par for the course. If you stay curious, you might find that there is something out there that can help free you of pain and restrictions.
3. Not getting a second opinion
Every doctor, therapist, and healer has a unique perspective. If something doesn’t sit right, or make sense to you, get another opinion. If you find traditional medicine isn’t helping even after many opinions, consider investigating non-traditional approaches—these can complement traditional medicine, or in some cases, replace it. Not all non-traditional approaches are for everyone or for every malady.  Talk to your friends, get recommendations and make some appointments so you can see for yourself what will work for you. 
4. Eating processed or fast foods
These “dead” foods rob you of vital prana—life force energy. Fresh, whole foods, ideally cooked by you or someone you know, nourish the body and the mind. You’ll feel it in your energy, mood, and vitality. Of course it is fine to indulge every now and then, but remember you are what you eat. Eating vital foods will keep you vital as well. 
5. Not exercising regularly
You knew this one was coming! Movement is non-negotiable—for immunity, metabolism, emotional health, and just plain feeling good. Even slow, mindful movement counts. Keep moving—your body (and your peace of mind) will thank you.
6. Not getting bodywork
For years, this was my weak spot. However since training in MFR, I’ve realized how essential it is to have others work on my body with regularity. We simply can’t do everything ourselves. Often we need another set of skilled hands to help us unravel what’s stuck before it swallows us whole.
7. Not taking time off
Rest is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Taking time off is different from having a big travel adventure. It means stopping: resting, reading, meditating, just being. Preferably in quiet. The more you do it, the more you will understand how vital it really is.
8. Not having fun
This is a big one! What do you do that’s fun, silly, expressive, and feeds your soul? If you can’t think of anything, find something now! Laughter, play, and creativity aren’t frivolous—they’re medicine. This one ties in with curiosity, but it also stands strong on its own. Fun and play will recharge us in ways nothing else can.  
9. Not engaging in self-study
In yoga philosophy, svadhyaya (self-study) is one of the cornerstones of practice. It helps us see our patterns and beliefs—particularly the ones that inevitably cause suffering. When we stop looking at ourselves, it’s like letting a garden grow wild with weeds and vines. When we neglect the weeding and pruning, the entanglements will pull  structures down and hide the pathways to get through. Keep observing your thoughts, your habits, and how you move through the world. It’s not always comfortable—but it will reveal the path to freedom.

10. Not spending time with like-minded people
It’s healthy to engage with different perspectives, and it’s equally vital to surround yourself with people who share your values, curiosity, and aspirations. You’ve heard the saying, “It takes a village.” That applies here, too. We need community support to explore what is new or unconventional, and we have come to realize is essential. Transformation happens faster—and with more joy—when you’re in the right company.
What have you identified as risky behavior for yourself that may seem like normal everyday actions?  I had this talk with my dog and he agreed to try to spend more time around inert brooms, but he is still wants to poop in the poison as long as it is around.